Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Are you using a hormonal birth control method, and your periods are different than what your doctor told you to expect?

See significance of hormonal birth control methods if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you have severe vaginal bleeding, but you do not have signs of shock?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Note:

If you answer "Yes" to the following questions, your doctor may be able to give you advice over the phone. An appointment may not be needed.

Yes

Do you have moderate vaginal bleeding, but you do not have signs of shock?

Yes

Have you had mild to moderate vaginal bleeding that comes and goes but has not stopped for longer than 7 days?

Yes

Have you had abnormal mild vaginal bleeding for longer than 2 weeks?

Yes

Is your vaginal bleeding different than what you were told to expect?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	July 11, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer